Cologne Overview

Unlike many parts of northern Germany, Cologne enjoys a relatively temperate climate through the year. Thanks to a convergence of weather from the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, summers are warm and winters are mild, making this city one of the consistently warmest in the country. Summers run from May to August, boasting a comfortable average temperature of 20oC. Winter, from November to February, is certainly cold but not nearly as bitter as other parts of northern Germany. The coldest month of the year is January, when temperatures average 1oC. Fortunately any snow which falls during the winter tends to melt fairly quickly. The precipitation in Cologne is distributed evenly throughout the year, meaning there is no particular rainy season. more...

Cologne Activities

Cologne is the home of FC Koln, a Bundesliga 2 football club, who play their games at the massive Rhein Energie Stadium. If you're in town during the season, which runs from August to May, you may be able to catch an energetic home match. For baseball fans, the Cologne Cardinals are one of Germany's biggest teams. They play their games in the Reitstadion, which is the largest baseball field in the country. The Koln Arena is another venue for professional sports. This modern arena is the home of the Cologne Sharks ice hockey club. more...

Cologne Events and Festivals

New Year’s Day: Cologne pulls out all the stops for this yearly celebration featuring music, festivities and fireworks. more...

Cologne Sightseeing

Germany's first freestanding Protestant Church was built in the 16th century and was an important facet of the German Reformation. If religious music stirs your soul, then make a point of attending one of the frequent concerts which are held in this formidable venue with the building's attractive architecture and historical social and religious role. Its 16th century design provides the perfect backdrop for choral and orchestral performances and with over 800 seats, it has become the city's premier choice for concerts. If nothing else, you can attend a Sunday prayer service which features the church's very own talented choir. more...

Cologne Transport

The city's central transportation hub, the Hauptbahnhof, receives long-distance trains from all the major cities in Germany as well as most other large European destinations, making this the easiest means of travelling by land to Cologne. The Hauptbahnhof is connected to the city's U-bahn subway system and the S-baht light rail network, allowing for seamless travel once you arrive in the city. Long-distance coaches also regularly pull into the central station from cities all across the Continent. National Express, Eurolines and Deutsche Touring GmbH all provide service to Cologne. If you are driving yourself, the city is easily accessed from the north and south via the A3 Autobahn, and from the east and west via the A4 Autobahn. more...

Cologne Travel Tips

For the most part, visitors should not feel any fear when walking around Cologne during the day or night. However, like all major cities, travellers should take the usual precautions to avoid being the victim of theft or crime. The Dom is a popular place for pickpockets to work their skills, as are the transport hubs such as the central station. The numerous festivals are also breeding grounds for theft due to the crowded and boisterous conditions, so take extra care if you venture out during something like Carnival. Fortunately, violent crime is rarely is problem for tourists. Electricity: 230V, 50Hz, with typical round two-prong European sockets. more...